By Firat Kozok and Selcan Hacaoglu | Updated on Oct 08, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Turkey won’t send troops abroad to carry out attacks under a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday.
“Turkey will not send troops to another country and carry out an attack there,” Fidan told a press conference on Thursday, distinguishing between defending an ally and taking part in offensive operations, including against the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen with which Saudi Arabia is fighting.
His comments came as Ankara sought parliamentary approval of the Mecca Defense Alliance, which is required for any potential defensive deployments of Turkish forces to Saudi Arabia.
Read More: Houthis Kill Three in Strikes on Saudi Arabian Airports
The alliance has taken on greater significance as the kingdom faces intensified attacks by the Houthis on its energy and other infrastructure. Strikes on two separate airports this week killed three and injured dozens more.
Saudi Arabia has significant defense infrastructure and military capabilities, Fidan said, stressing the importance of joint planning among the three members, who signed the trilateral defense pact in August.
Turkish authorities haven’t disclosed details of a potential defensive deployment.